Many Indians in the Amazon River basin live in collective or communal houses. One of the most functional examples is the large, cone-shaped, thatched hut used by the Piaroa Indians. To build one of these huts the Indians construct a framework made of long, thin poles, perching like monkeys several meters above the ground. The poles are fixed to thicker poles which mark out an area of about 8 meters square.

The whole tribe takes part in the building work. Some weave flexible branches on to the framework while others place dried banana or palm branches on top of the structure. At the top of the conical roof, a hole is left as a chimney. At this point the Indians always place a twisted branch to frighten away evil spirits.

To keep harmful insects out of the communal hut the door is fitted with a type of screen. Light filters through a series of divisions in the roof which the Indians open up as the Sun move across the sky.

These huts house from six to eight families. Each one has its own fireplace round which hammocks are hung one above the other. The duty of woman is to keep the fire lit. A wooden platform near the ceiling acts as wood store and a place to stow away any possessions the Piaroa may have.